Investigating the Economic and Social Roles of Religious Institutions in the Greater Angkor Area from the 6th to the 13th Century CE

In 2014 I was awarded a British Academy-ASEASUK ECAF Visiting Fellowship to undertake research at the EFEO (Ecole Francaise d’Extreme-Orient) centre at Siem Reap, Cambodia, investigating the economic and social roles of religious institutions in the greater Angkor area from the 6th to the 13th century CE. As I had previously specialised in South Asian archaeology, particularly the archaeology of Buddhism and monasticism, the Fellowship provided the opportunity to broaden my perspectives on the roles of religious institutions in past societies with access to comparative archaeological and epigraphic data from Southeast Asia.

The British Academy-ASEASUK ECAF Visiting Fellowship was a unique opportunity that facilitated independent research at a world class research centre. Residence at the EFEO provided access to a vast archival and library resource and also the opportunity to participate in field visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor and other archaeological sites in the surrounding area. The Fellowship also provided contact with international experts and students of the archaeology of Cambodia, from the EFEO as well as institutions and organisations affiliated with the Centre. This led to many engaging and stimulating academic discussions that developed and enhanced my Project and also provided future collaborative research opportunities.